Electric Cars Next for Formula One Racing?

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), has asked Formula One's governing body to set up a racing championship series for electric cars in hopes of increasing public awareness and excitement about electric vehicles. Jean Todt, president of the FIA, speaking to the Financial Times, said that his organization is working with Formula One to create new electric car, go-kart and single-seater racing categories. It would make races a whole lot quieter...

And if there were millions of dollars being poured into creating a really fast and aerodynamic electric car, the innovations would be bound to trickle down to cars for consumers.

"We want as soon as possible to have new categories with new energy," said Mr Todt, and he added that the first season for electric car racing could be as early as 2013, and would be as global as possible. It will be interesting to see if this has wide appeal in the US, and how fast these things can actually go. And if they run out of power halfway through the race...